The Town of Bayfield is a statutory Town located in La Plata County, southwest Colorado, not far from the Four Corners of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. We sit at an elevation of about 6900 feet, in the beautiful Pine River Valley, with spectacular vistas in all directions.

Bayfield is home to approximately 2300 residents and acts as the commercial and cultural center for eastern La Plata County. Bayfield prides itself on our small town atmosphere and long-standing sense of community. Our Bayfield School District has long been recognized as one of Colorado's finest and was awarded "Colorado School Board of the Year" in 2007.

The Town of Bayfield was incorporated in 1906 when the Bay family and the Schiller family each donated land to create a supply Town near the Pine River. Bayfield was named after Mr. William Bay when he won a coin toss between himself and Mr. Schiller. Had the toss gone the other way, it is said the Town would have been named “Schillerville”.

Modern-day Bayfield residents enjoy an ideal four-season climate that averages some 300 days of sunshine every year, together with moderate temperatures and low humidity, year-round. This ideal recreational climate promotes all sorts of outdoor family activities while any type of enthusiast can find what they’re looking for. Whether hiking or biking, hunting or fishing, winter skiing or summer water sports, or exploring the cultural histories of Native American ruins and early Pioneer life, all are available within a short drive, and in almost any direction.

The historic steam train town of Durango is 20 short miles to the west, the world-class hot springs of Pagosa Springs are just 40 miles to the east, and our very own Pine River flows out of the majestic San Juan Mountains, through gorgeous Vallecito Lake (Vi - a - cito), 15 scenic miles to our north. The high deserts of northern New Mexico fall away immediately to our south, while the red-rock beauty of Arizona and Utah are little more than an hour to our west. All come together in the heart of the Pine River Valley, Bayfield, Colorado.

We hope visitors interested in our Town will use this site as a starting point for vacation or commercial information and that Bayfield area residents use this resource as a contact point for keeping in touch with the community.

Please check back often as we will be updating and expanding our events & project schedules, including Town Council Meetings and Special Events. You’ll also find needed information regarding Business Licenses, Building Permits, Special Events and Liquor Licensing, and lots of other valuable resources for living, working & playing in our beautiful Colorado mountain Town.

If you are unable to find what you are looking for on our website or have a suggestion to make it even more useful please contact us and let us know.

Bayfield's Vision

Bayfield is a safe, livable community, with a small town feel striving to become a multigenerational, diverse community that maintains its values while progressively pursuing ongoing sustainability of economic resources, natural resource stewardship and livability. We are committed to the promotion of a vibrant business community balanced by recreational and educational opportunities in order to foster a unique and complete community for future generations.